Lincoln-Douglas Debates and Related Events

The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a series of seven debates in 1858 between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, focusing on the extension of slavery into American territories. The debates highlighted the differences between the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which introduced popular sovereignty. Douglas supported the act to appeal to pro-slavery voters, while Lincoln opposed it, emphasizing the immorality of slavery. Although Douglas won the Senate seat, his stance alienated some Democrats. The debates set the stage for the 1860 presidential election, where Lincoln emerged victorious.

Who were the main participants in the Lincoln-Douglas debates?

• Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas

• George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams and Andrew Jackson

• Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee

What was the primary issue discussed during the Lincoln-Douglas debates?

• Women's suffrage

• The extension of slavery into American territories

• Foreign policy

• The economy

What did the Missouri Compromise of 1820 achieve?

• It ended the Civil War

• It abolished slavery in the United States

• It allowed slavery in all new states

• It admitted Missouri as a slave state and prohibited slavery above the 36°30' parallel

Which act replaced the Missouri Compromise with the principle of popular sovereignty?

• The Homestead Act

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Compromise of 1850

• The Kansas-Nebraska Act

What is the concept of popular sovereignty?

• The belief that all states should be free states

• The doctrine allowing residents of a territory to vote on slavery

• The idea that the federal government decides on slavery

• The principle that slavery should be abolished

Why did Stephen A. Douglas support the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

• To promote industrialization

• To abolish slavery

• To appeal to pro-slavery voters for a potential presidential run

• To support Abraham Lincoln

What was Abraham Lincoln's stance on the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

• He supported it

• He opposed it

• He was indifferent

• He authored it

How did Stephen A. Douglas attempt to portray Abraham Lincoln during the debates?

• As a pro-slavery advocate

• As a dangerous radical

• As a moderate

• As a foreign policy expert

What was the outcome of the 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign?

• Lincoln won the Senate seat

• Douglas won the Senate seat

• Both candidates withdrew

• The election was inconclusive

What was the result of the 1860 presidential election?

• A third-party candidate won

• Douglas won the presidency

• The election was a tie

• Lincoln won the presidency